Folding saw table

ABSTRACT

A collapsible table assembly having improved portability. A mechanism interconnects the table and supporting legs for moving the legs between a diverging supporting position, a folding position, and a storage position. A saw track assembly includes an upper platform for receiving a cutting device and a lower platform for supporting a workpiece during cutting connected to the upper platform. Each of the upper and lower platform are disposed above the table. A guide pin pivotally attaches the saw track to the table for allowing the saw track to pivot through a plane parallel to the table. A plurality of material supports supported by the table rotate between a first material supporting position for supporting a workpiece and a second unobstructing position for allowing the saw track to freely pivot through the plane without contacting the material supports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The subject invention relates to collapsible portable saw tablesfor supporting a cutting device and a workpiece during cutting.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Portable saw tables that can be transported to a job site andused are well known as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,872,755,4,197,775, 4,452,117, 5,080,152, and 5,473,968.

[0005] A typical collapsible saw table is light in weight and easilymanipulated, and comprises a table base with a plurality of leg supportassemblies for supporting a workpiece, a saw track which pivots by somemeans about the table base, and a slide movable longitudinally along thetable base. The saw track supports a portable saw or router for cutting,and typically attaches to the table base at a pivot point and at theslide, thereby allowing the saw track to pivot to multiple cuttingangles as the slide moves along the base.

[0006] The legs attached to the table base of some folding saw tables donot provide adequate support for the table, resulting in the instabilityof the table during cutting. The table base typically contains multiplematerial support crossbars; however, a board or other item that requiresperiodic replacement must also be used if complete material support isdesired. Typical collapsible saw tables used for cutting largeworkpieces are generally very heavy and are not easily portable makingit difficult to transfer the table from one work site to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0007] In accordance with one form of the present invention, acollapsible table assembly having improved portability is providedhaving a table with a periphery and a pair of first and second legs forsupporting the table. A mechanism interconnects the legs and the tablefor moving the legs between a diverging supporting position, a foldingposition, and a storage position wherein the legs are disposed withinthe table periphery.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a saw track assembly isprovided for use with a saw table including an upper platform forreceiving a cutting device and a lower platform connected to the upperplatform for supporting a workpiece during cutting, wherein the upperand lower platforms are disposed above the table.

[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, a periphery has a frontrail and a rear rail spaced from the front rail and interconnected tothe front rail by a plurality of cross-members. A saw track includes theupper and lower platforms. A guide pin disposed on the rear railpivotally attaches the saw track to the rear rail, thereby allowing thesaw track to pivot through a plane parallel to the periphery. Aplurality of material supports are supported by and extend between thefront and rear rails for rotating between a material supporting positionfor supporting a workpiece and an unobstructing position for allowingthe saw track to freely pivot through the plane without contacting thematerial supports.

[0010] The mechanism interconnecting the legs and the table allows thelegs to adequately support the table during cutting, resulting inincreased table stability as compared to other collapsible saw tables.Using the lower platform of the saw track to support the workpieceeliminates the need for a board to provide material support and alsominimizes the need for a table top which greatly reduces the overallweight of the table and increases ease of portability. The moveablematerial supports further minimize the need for a table top whileallowing the saw track to pivot freely to a desired cutting angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readilyappreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible table assembly withlegs in a supporting position and a saw track attached;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the collapsible tableassembly with legs in a supporting position;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear bottom of the collapsibletable assembly with one pair of legs in the supporting position, onepair of legs in a storage position and a shadowed view of one pair oflegs in a folding position;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of the collapsibletable assembly with both pair of legs in the storage position;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible table assemblyshowing a locking spring in an uncompressed position;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible table assemblyshowing the locking spring in a compressed position;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a material guideshowing a guide spring in an uncompressed position;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the material guideshowing the guide spring in a compressed position;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible table assemblyshowing two cross-members with struts attached and two material supportcross-bars;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the saw track with a cuttingdevice attached;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the second embodimentof the saw track;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the table assemblywith a second embodiment of the saw track attached;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the table assemblyshowing an extension of the saw track just prior to engaging a saw guardof the cutting device; and

[0025]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the table assemblyshowing the extension maintaining a blade of the cutting device in anexposed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] Referring to the drawings, a collapsible table assembly isgenerally shown at 20, having improved portability and including a pairof first 22 and second 24 legs in a diverging supporting position andgenerally shown at 26. The table 20 includes a front rail 28 and a rearrail 30 spaced from the front rail 28, with the rails 18 and 20interconnected by a plurality of cross-members 32 to define a peripherygenerally shown at 34. A mechanism, generally shown at 36 (FIGS. 3 and4), connects each pair of legs 22, 24 to the table 20. The mechanism 36includes a support 38 rotatably attached to the front rail 28 and to therear rail 30 such that the support 38 rotates about a horizontalconnecting axis 40. A first pivot 42 (FIG. 5) connects the first leg 22to the support 38, while a second pivot 44 connects the second leg 24 tothe support 38, thereby allowing the first and second legs 22, 24 topivot about the first and second pivots 42, 44. A foldable linkage,generally indicated at 46 (FIGS. 3 and 4), includes a first link 48pivotally attached to the first leg 22 and a second link 50 pivotallyattached to the second leg 24. A fastener 52 pivotally connects thefirst and second links 48, 50, which, in turn, interconnect the firstand second legs 22, 24.

[0027] A storage position is shown at 54 in FIG. 4 wherein the first andsecond legs 22, 24 are disposed within the periphery 34 of the table 20,i.e., within the edges or confines of the rails 18 and 20. A leg lock 56holds the legs in place in the storage position 54 such that the legs22, 24 are immobile while the leg lock 56 is engaged. In the preferredembodiment, the leg lock 56 comprises a substantially L-shaped memberattached to one of the plurality of cross-members 32 such that the firstleg 22 nestles within the leg lock 56 to maintain the storage position54. However, it should be appreciated that another device could functionas a leg lock 56 for keeping the legs 22, 24 in the storage position 54.A handle 58 is disposed on the rear rail 30 for carrying the table 20while in the storage position 54.

[0028] A folding position, as shown generally in phantom at 60 in FIG.3, results when the support 38 rotates from the storage position 54about the connecting axis 40 such that the first and second legs 22, 24are substantially perpendicular to the periphery 34. From the foldingposition 60, the first and second legs 22, 24 pivot in a plane thatincludes the connecting axis 40, thereby diverging from one another toform the diverging supporting position 26. The foldable linkage 46limits the outward or diverging pivoting movement of the legs 22, 24,thereby maintaining the diverging supporting position 26 by preventingthe legs 22, 24 from overrotating. A strut 62 includes a first end 64pivotally attached to the table 20 at one of the plurality ofcross-members 32, and extends to a second end 66 pivotally attached tothe foldable linkage 46. The strut 62 further maintains the divergingsupporting position 26 by limiting rotation of the support 38. It shouldbe appreciated that the strut 62 could also attach to the legs 22, 24 oranother part of the table 20.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment includes a pair oftelescoping extensions shown generally at 68 for extending the table 20as necessary to support a workpiece W. Each extension 68 comprises apair of telescoping members 72, 74 housed within the front rail 28 andrear rail 30 respectively. A connecting handle 76 interconnects thetelescoping members 72, 74. To use the telescoping extension 68, theconnecting handle 76 is pulled to achieve a desired table length.

[0030] A saw track assembly is generally shown at 78 for use with a sawtable. The saw track 78 includes an upper platform 80 for receiving acutting device C and a lower platform 82 spaced from and connected tothe upper platform 80 for supporting a workpiece W (shown in phantom inFIG. 11) during cutting. The upper platform 80 and the lower platform 82are disposed above the table 20. In the preferred embodiment, shown inFIGS. 1 and 10, the upper platform 80 comprises a first member 84 and asecond member 86 spaced from the first member 84 attached by an upperconnecting member 88. Similarly, the lower platform 82 comprises a firstsupport rail 90 and a second support rail 92 spaced from the firstsupport rail 90. In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, theupper platform 80 comprises only a first member 84, while the lowerplatform 82 includes both the first and second support rails 90, 92.

[0031] The upper platform 80 includes a guide shown generally at 94 inFIGS. 11 and 13 for receiving the cutting device C. The guide 94comprises at least one longitudinal channel 96. A connection plate 98fits within the longitudinal channel 96 and slides along the upperplatform 80. In the preferred embodiment (FIG. 13), a longitudinalchannel 96 is disposed within each of the first and second members 84,86. A pair of first bolts 100 and second bolts 102 extend through theconnection plate 98 and fit within each longitudinal channel 96 allowingthe connection plate 98 to slide along the upper platform. A pluralityof clamps 103 attach the cutting device C to the connection plate 98such that the cutting device slides with the connection plate 98 alongthe upper platform 80. The upper connection member 88 prevents theconnection plate 98, and thus the attached cutting device C, fromescaping the upper platform 80 in a direction closest to a user duringcutting. A security pin 104 disposed within the upper platform 80prevents the connection plate 98 from escaping the upper platform 80 ina direction furthest from the user during cutting. The second embodiment(FIG. 11) includes a pair of longitudinal channels 96 disposed withinthe outer edges of the upper platform 80. The cutting device Cpermanently attaches to the connection plate 98 such that a differentconnection plate 98 is required for each different cutting device C. Theedges of the connection plate 98 nestle within the longitudinal channels96 allowing the connection plate 98 and the attached cutting device C toslide along the upper platform 80. In the second embodiment, a pair ofsecurity pins 104 at each end of the upper platform 80 prevent theconnection plate 98 and the cutting device C from escaping the upperplatform 80 during cutting. To change cutting devices, either securitypin 104 is removed and the connection plate 98 and associated cuttingdevice C slide off of the upper platform 98. Similarly, a new connectionplate 98 and associated cutting device C slide onto the upper platform98.

[0032] A stowable cord support 106 is disposed on the upper platform 80and prevents accidental cutting of an electrical power cord P on thecutting device C during cutting. An extension 108 connected to the upperplatform 80, best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, engages a saw guard G fromthe cutting device C to expose the blade B as the cutting device Cslides along the upper platform 80. In the preferred embodiment, theextension 108 is integrally formed with the upper platform 80. However,other embodiments are conceivable. A blade groove 110 (FIG. 7) in thefirst support rail 90 of the lower platform 82 surrounds the blade B ofthe cutting device C during cutting such that the blade B does notcontact the lower platform 82.

[0033] A guide pin 112 (FIG. 2) protrudes from the rear rail 30 forattaching the saw track 78 to the table 20 and for allowing the sawtrack 78 to pivot in a horizontal plane parallel to the periphery 34.The lower platform 82 includes an attachment groove 114 (FIGS. 12 and14), preferably disposed within the first support rail 90. The guide pin112 nestles within the attachment groove 114 such that the lowerplatform 82 pivots around and moves longitudinally along the guide pin112 as the saw track 78 pivots through the plane. It should beunderstood that the attachment groove 114 could also be a slot cut intoa one-piece lower platform or other such device.

[0034] A plurality of material supports 116, 118 are supported by andextend between the front and rear rails 18, 20. Using one or morematerial supports 116, 118 in conjunction with the lower platform 62allows full support of a workpiece W without a tabletop, thereby greatlyreducing the bulk of the table 20 and significantly increasingportability. As shown in FIG. 9, each material support 116, 118 rotatesbetween a material supporting position, as in the case of support 116,and an unobstructing position, as in the case of support 118. In thematerial supporting position 116, a portion of the material support 116protrudes above the periphery 34. In the unobstructing position 118,shown in phantom in FIG. 9, the material support 118 is disposed withinor below the plane of the periphery 34, thereby allowing the saw track78 to pivot freely through the plane. A material support lock 120engages each material support 116, 118 to prevent rotation untilmovement from the material supporting position 116 to the unobstructingposition 118 is desired. In the preferred embodiment, the materialsupport lock 120 comprises a locking spring 122 moveable between anuncompressed position, as shown in FIG. 5, and a compressed position, asshown in FIG. 6. In the locked material supporting position 116, thelocking spring 122 rests in the uncompressed position. To rotate thematerial support 116, the locking spring 122 is compressed by pushingthe material support 116 toward the rear rail 30, thereby disengagingthe material support lock 120. The material support 116 then rotatesdownward to the unobstructing position 118. When the material support118 is released, the locking spring 122 returns to the uncompressedposition. A material support stop 124 engages each material support 116,118 to maintain the unobstructing position. In the preferred embodiment,the material support stop 124 is disposed on the rear rail 30 such thatthe material support 118 rests thereon while in the unobstructingposition.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 1, the front rail 28 includes a slidechannel 126 for receiving a slide 128. Preferably, the slide 128includes a flange (not shown) disposed within the slide channel 126 forsliding the slide 128 along the front rail 28. A track plate 130pivotally connects the saw track 78 to the slide 128 for pivotalmovement in the horizontal plane. As best shown in FIG. 5, the slide 128in the preferred embodiment includes an aperture 131 for receiving aconnection pin 132 to secure the saw track 78 to the slide 128. Aspring-loaded pin 33 fits horizontally within the aperture forrestricting entry of the connection pin. The spring-loaded pin engagesthe spring to clear the aperture, thereby allowing the connection pin toenter. As the slide 128 moves along the slide channel 126, the saw track78 pivots relative to the table 20 to various angles. The lower platform82 moves around the guide pin 112 such that the saw track 78 remainsfixed to the slide 128 at the track plate 130. A slide lock 134 isdisposed on the slide 128 for preventing movement of the slide 128within the slide channel 126 to maintain the slide track 60 at a desiredangle during cutting. The slide lock 134 rotates to tighten intosufficient frictional engagement with the front rail 28 to prevent thesliding movement.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the table 20 further includes apair of material guides 136 spaced longitudinally apart from one anotherand each hingedly attached to the rear rail 30. Each material guide 136moves between a guiding position, shown in FIG. 7, and a quiescentposition, shown in phantom in FIG. 8. In the guiding position, thematerial guide 136 projects above the periphery 34 and provide lateralsupport during cutting as a workpiece W rests thereagainst. In thequiescent position, the material guide 136 lies flush against the rearrail 30. A material guide lock 140 engages the material guide 136 toprevent rotation until movement from the quiescent position to theguiding position is desired. In the preferred embodiment, the materialguide lock 140 comprises a guide spring 142 moveable between anuncompressed position, as shown in FIG. 7, and a compressed position, asshown in FIG. 8. To rotate the material guide 136, the guide spring 142is compressed by pushing the material guide 136 along the rear rail 30toward the guide spring 142 until the guide spring 142 reaches thecompressed position. The material guide 82 then rotates upward to theguiding position. To maintain the guiding position, the guide spring 142is released to the uncompressed position. Movement of the material guide136 is only possible when the guide spring 142 is in the compressedposition. A ruler or a protractor may be attached to the material guide136 or to the rear rail 30 for further assistance during cutting. Amaterial stop 144 (FIG. 5) attaches to the rear rail 30 or one of thematerial guides 136 to further maintain the position of the workpiece Wduring cutting.

[0037] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. The inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible table assembly having improvedportability, said assembly comprising: a table having a periphery; afirst and a second leg for supporting said table; and a mechanisminterconnecting said legs and said table for moving said legs between adiverging supporting position toward one another while in a plane to afolding position and about a connecting axis in said plane to a storageposition disposed within said periphery of said table, wherein saidmechanism further includes a support rotatably attached to said tablesuch that said support rotates about said connecting axis.
 2. Anassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mechanism further includesa first pivot pivotally connecting said first leg to said support and asecond pivot pivotally connecting said second leg to said support,whereby said legs pivot about said pivots in said plane between saiddiverging supporting and said folding positions.
 3. An assembly as setforth in claim 2 wherein said mechanism further includes a foldablelinkage interconnecting said first and said second legs for limitingpivoting movement of said legs away from one another in said plane tosaid diverging supporting position.
 4. An assembly as set forth in claim3 wherein said foldable linkage includes a first link and a second linkwith said first link pivotally attached to said first leg and saidsecond link pivotally attached to said second leg, and a fastenerpivotally connecting said first link and said second link.
 5. Anassembly as set forth in claim 4 further including a strut having afirst end pivotally attached to said table and extending to a second endpivotally attached to one of said foldable linkage and said legs forlimiting rotation of said support to maintain said diverging supportingposition.
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further characterizedby a plurality of said first and said second legs for supporting saidtable and including a plurality of said mechanisms with one of saidmechanisms associated with each pair of said first and second legs. 7.An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said table further includesa leg lock associated with each pair of said first and second legs formaintaining said pair of legs in said storage position.
 8. An assemblyas set forth in claim 1 wherein said periphery further includes a firstrail and a second rail spaced from said first rail, wherein said firstand said second rails are interconnected by a cross-member.
 9. A sawtrack assembly for use with a saw table, said assembly comprising: atable; an upper platform for receiving a cutting device; a lowerplatform connected to said upper platform for supporting a workpieceduring cutting; and said upper platform and said lower platform beingdisposed above said table.
 10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9wherein said upper platform includes a guide for receiving the cuttingdevice.
 11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said guideincludes at least one longitudinal channel.
 12. An assembly as set forthin claim 11 further including a connection plate disposed in saidlongitudinal channel for slidably connecting the cutting device to saidupper platform.
 13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidconnection plate further includes an opening for receiving a blade ofthe cutting device.
 14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 whereinsaid lower platform further includes a groove for receiving the blade ofthe cutting device during cutting such that the blade does not contactsaid lower platform.
 15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 whereinsaid lower platform comprises a first support rail and a second supportrail spaced from said first support rail.
 16. An assembly as set forthin claim 15 wherein said groove is disposed within said first supportrail.
 17. An assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said upperplatform comprises a first member and a second member spaced from saidfirst member.
 18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein saidfirst member includes an extension for engaging a saw guard from thecutting device to expose the blade as the cutting device slides alongsaid upper platform.
 19. A saw table assembly, said assembly comprising:a periphery including a front rail and a rear rail spaced from saidfront rail interconnected by a plurality of cross-members; a saw trackincluding upper and lower platforms; a guide pin disposed on said rearrail for pivotally attaching said saw track to said rear rail such thatsaid saw track may pivot through a plane parallel to said periphery; andan attachment groove disposed within said lower platform such that saidguide pin nestles within said attachment groove and said lower platformpivots around and moves longitudinally along said guide pin as said sawtrack pivots through said plane.
 20. An assembly as set forth in claim19 wherein said lower platform comprises a first support rail and asecond support rail spaced from said first support rail.
 21. An assemblyas set forth in claim 20 wherein said attachment groove is disposedwithin said first support rail.
 22. A saw table assembly, said assemblycomprising: a periphery including a front rail and a rear rail spacedfrom said front rail interconnected by a plurality of cross-members; asaw track including upper and lower platforms; a guide pin disposed onsaid rear rail for pivotally attaching said saw track to said rear railsuch that said saw track may pivot through a plane parallel to saidperiphery; and a material support supported by and extending betweensaid front and rear rails for rotating between a material supportingposition for supporting a workpiece wherein a portion of said materialsupport protrudes above said periphery and an unobstructing position forallowing said saw track to freely pivot through said plane wherein saidmaterial support is disposed fully within said periphery.
 23. Anassembly as set forth in claim 22 further including a material supportlock engaging said material support for maintaining said materialsupporting position.
 24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 whereinsaid material support lock further comprises a locking spring engagingsaid material support, said locking spring movable between a compressedposition and an uncompressed position such that said material support isrotatable between said material supporting and unobstructing positionswhen said locking spring is in said compressed position.
 25. An assemblyas set forth in claim 24 further including a material support stop suchthat said material support rests on said material support stop tomaintain said unobstructing position.
 26. An assembly as set forth inclaim 25 wherein said material support stop is disposed on said rearrail.
 27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said assemblyincludes a plurality of said material supports and a plurality of saidmaterial support locks and said material support stops with one of saidmaterial support locks and one of said material support stops associatedwith each of said material supports.
 28. An assembly as set forth inclaim 27 wherein said front rail further includes a slide channel forreceiving a slide such that said slide slides along said front rail. 29.An assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein said slide further includesa track plate for pivotally connecting said saw track to said slide. 30.An assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein said slide further includesa slide lock for preventing movement of said slide along said front railto maintain said saw track at a desired angle during cutting.
 31. Anassembly as set forth in claim 30 wherein said saw table assemblyfurther includes at least one material guide rotatably connected to saidrear rail for movement between a guiding and a quiescent position toprovide material guidance in said guiding position and to lie flushagainst said rear rail in said quiescent position.
 32. An assembly asset forth in claim 31 further including a material guide lock engagingsaid material guide for locking said material guide in said guidingposition.
 33. An assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said materialguide lock further comprises a guide spring engaging said materialguide, said guide spring movable between a compressed position and anuncompressed position such that said material guide is rotatable whensaid guide spring is in said compressed position.